"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. Although it’s not technically a permanent foundation, an on-grade foundation, when properly built, will probably outlast the shed it supports. The roots can grow underneath the shed and lift the foundation right off the ground. The A1BaseKIT is a wooden frame made from pressure-treated timber. Foundations for a shed usually consist of a poured slab or concrete block piers. Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers. Trade secret – When building a solid-concrete block foundation, it’s important that all the blocks be level. They are detailed and super easy to read and understand unlike several others I found online. The real advantage of this type of foundation is that you get to choose from a variety of flooring options. feet) Storing vehicles or farm implements; Building on the side of a hill . Molded into the top surface is a 3 1/2-in.-square recess and a pair of 1 1/2-in.-wide slots. The floor area within the timber frame could be filled with gravel, concrete, crushed granite, marble chips, or slabs of bluestone or slate. Building Your Shed Floor On Blocks. Soggy soil will eventually swallow up the foundation. This foundation consists of little more than a rectangular wooden frame sitting on a gravel bed. Lay concrete blocks to the desired height of the wall. Piers … of gravel before setting the blocks. Quality cedar products of all kinds,lumber for fences decks and outdoor projects, pressure treated lumber, unique and tough to find building materials. Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. ... 9 - Insert the rods of the hangers in the center of each pier and 1” of thread above the surface. Building a large shed (our max building size for block sets is about 250 sq. for accepting a standard flooring timber so that the timber sits level. Before writing about carpentry, Joe Truini worked as a remodeling contractor, cabinetmaker, and carpenter. Jun 30, 2009: Concrete block shed foundation by: John - Admin Hi Bill, Thankyou for your question. have your materials gathered. Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox. The longevity of any outbuilding depends heavily on its foundation. blocks on top of each other to raise the lowest corner of the foundation so it is even with the highest corner. The thicker blocks are placed first, with the thinner patio blocks laid on top when you need to adjust the height at that spot. If you are building on either rocky soil or gravel then this is not necessary. Start your subscription today and save up to 52%. Stake out the basic dimensions of the shed. stones, the top stone and bracket allow for fine adjustment of level to your floor timber. I use instruction from woodprix website to build my own DIY projects – I highly recommend you visit that website and check their out too. crushed stone), the tops the blocks are then levelled to support the main floor beams of the shed. The bolt just drops a hole in the pier block, there doesn't seem to be any lateral support. All you need to do is make sure the installer has access to a stack of inexpensive cinder blocks. Only trouble is that I have bought medium density concrete blocks, that I have now found out wont do as they crumble over time :/. They are more expensive than a concrete block but this is more Concrete piers for sheds may be necessary if the shed site has considerable slope. separate parts can be easily adjusted through the use of interlocking parts and screw thread. Tools Required: Spade Measuring tape Point posts Concrete blocks Pea gravel Weed proof membrane. This is a great way of achieving a level base, allowing maximum airflow to keep the underside of the shed floor dry. 144. Also if the need arises to move your shed then the foundations can be taken up and easily moved. moisture from the ground cannot rise and damage the timber structure. I have a 10×12 shed being delivered soon, should i use pea gravel or paver base gravel for under the blocks? Pier foundation for a shed - secrets of shed building, I have to build my 10' x 10' shed close to a tree with exposed roots so i am going to elevate it and i was thinking of using concrete blocks … Decide if excavation, compaction or placing gravel is needed to reach your overall structure height. (Photo: DekBrands), A 2x joist fits into a slot molded in the top of this Dek-Block pier; the concrete pier will also accept a vertical 4×4 post. You must first do a bit of excavation to level up the ground at the location of each pier. The amount of there is mind-boggling… There are tons of different projects. Constructing a proper foundation is the single most important step in the entire project. such as these are also extremely useful if you have to build on a sloping site. This base is quick and easy to build, relatively inexpensive, and adaptable enough to accommodate all but the most severely sloping sites. Sign up for a FREE 14-day trial  to access all of our how-to video series plus over 1,400 articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine. This building method is similar to the solid-concrete block foundation. Before you build a shed it is necessary to determine the place of work. And don’t set the foundation too close to any trees. each. Because they can accept either a joist or a post, they can be used on very uneven sites and badly sloping terrain. Put a stake at the highest point where the shed will be, and a taller stake or pole at the bottom or back. This is one of the easiest options you can use in your shed construction project! wide by 16 in. timber can be used for the finer adjustment. The shed itself was built on blocks, floating in the same exact manner as the deck. Get woodprix instructions if you want some additional. Insert anchor bolts every 3 feet at the top in … A concrete block shed should be built on a slab or footer foundation. Building a shed on pier blocks – Tool shed, play shed, burn shed, and grill shed … No matter what shed you are dreaming about, do the Self-readers have a good suggestion for you. It is made to the precise size of the shed floor, and is pegged into the ground and levelled. This is especially true for larger sheds. Keep in mind that your shed will be standing here for decades maybe, so everything has to be well thought, the place should be comfortable for you. You can also use the adhesive to glue shims to the tops of the blocks. A Small Stylish Shed — Durable materials make this toolshed as long-lasting as it is attractive. The special thing about our shed is that it has a glass roof that is “lifted”. Foundations should be level, square and built to appropriate depths for the location's frost line. Trade secret – It’s often necessary to stack two or more solid-concrete blocks on top of one another to create a level foundation. Foundations Welcome to the new and improved Building Code Forum. The piers for your foundation are cinder blocks. Pier blocks ... Building a shed can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to making the structure level and square. Pier blocks under a platform deck with images using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org how to build a shed foundation with deck blocks what to use backfill around the concrete pier block home tips to help you build a floating deck using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org. The shed walls are built on the frame, and the entire weight of the building is transferred directly to the ground. Determine the angle of the slope. There is very little excavation that is required to begin building. Although skids are often set directly on the ground, I prefer to lay them on a bed of gravel. A shed pier foundation is not strictly a permanent foundation it comprises of a series of If there are piers under the floor for midspan floor support in either pier and curtain wall or conventional crawlspace those piers are limited by soil bearing conditions and girder span limits, prescriptively they might be 14' apart, check the girder charts in R502ish Then my 2x6 joists 16" OC. However, if there’s any chance that rain runoff will occasionally drain under the shed, you’ll need to use a shovel to remove a patch of grass under each block, compact the soil with a hand tamper, then cover the exposed dirt with 2 in. You can also make skids by gang-nailing together three or four 2x6s or 2x8s and setting them on edge. There are a couple of designs of pier blocks offered, consisting of one that has a square hole formed into the top through which a vertical 44 post can be inserted. If you have trouble finding solid blocks at a home center or lumberyard, try a masonry supplier. I only have 4 posts for the whole shed - 3 foot deep cement piers for my double 2x8 beams at the front and rear of the shed. In some cases, such as a shed and other small buildings, using brick on top of concrete may be advantageous because the concrete offers a solid foundation and the brick is an inexpensive way to build the rest of the pier. Labels attached to the lumber or the stamp should have this information. Pier blocks under a platform deck with images using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org how to build a shed foundation with deck blocks what to use backfill around the concrete pier block home tips to help you build a floating deck using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org. The gravel bed will ensure that the soil beneath the blocks won’t wash away or become soggy. Plan to set one concrete block pier at each corner of the shed, in the middle of each wall and in the very center of the shed. Drawings by Mario Ferro. Shop Class: Critical Deck-Framing Connections – In this 10-part series, home-building pro Mike Guertin outlines the details you need to make a deck safe, solid, and code-compliant. They are each cheaper than laying a concrete slab as a lot less concrete is required. or 3 in. In most cases, you’ll need both 2-in.-thick patio blocks and 4-in-thick solid-concrete blocks to build an on-grade foundation. I have about a 12-inch slope where I wanted my shed, so I put the upper half directly on blocks buried just slightly in the ground, and the other half up on elevated risers bolted to concrete pier blocks, similar to how a low deck would be built. Pier-and-beam foundations offer home builders several structural advantages over a concrete slab. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. There is very little spoil to dispose of from the build site. This small building should organically fit into the overall landscape of your site and be in harmony with other buildings. 3. No structure—regardless of how well it’s designed or built—will survive for very long on a poorly made base. using the simple concrete block. How to pour concrete footings and piers, with step-by-step instructions for building a form and ready-made concrete pier options. SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Podcast 201: Broken Bricks, Unloved Concrete, and Portable Tablesaws, Podcast 188: Smoothing Plaster Ceilings, Enforcing Airtightness, and Better Brick Walkways, Deck Ledger Mounting System for Masonry Veneer (and Other Challenging Cladding), Podcast Episode 156: Home Building Across the Globe, Air-Sealing Can Lights, and Parging an Old Concrete Wall, Building a Concrete-Free “Slab”-on-Grade Foundation, Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb, Expert insights on techniques and principles. All the above add up to mean that using a shed pier foundation can save you both time and money. Move the skids out of the way, then use a flat shovel to remove the sod and about 2 in. This floating shed foundation rests close to ground-level, so no need to dig extremely deep holes. the timber foundation beams they provide support while requiring less materials. However, if you are required to get a permit for your shed, you may not be able to get by with this option. It will help to ensure the stability of your shed for years to come. Post and Beams. Check the excavated areas to make sure they’re close to being level. A shallow bed of gravel under concrete foundation blocks aids drainage and helps prevent them from sinking into the soil. Wood that is rated only for above-ground use has lower levels of preservatives and won’t last as long. To keep the blocks from sliding out of position as you set the floor frame in place, use a caulking gun to apply a generous bead of construction adhesive between the blocks. In this type of foundation, the shed is supported by a series of solid-concrete blocks, which are laid out in straight, evenly spaced rows. The shed pier foundation is sturdy, ecologically sound, a time saver and a money saver as well. smooths the process of foundation installation. The number of blocks needed and the spacing between them is determined by the size of the shed and the lumber used for the floor joists. Builders have been using this type of on-grade foundation to support outbuildings for more than three centuries. For building shed foundations, I use blocks measuring 8 in. They can increase longevity of your shed by lifting the shed floor off the ground so that Shortcuts to a Shed — Time-saving tips about planning, materials, and construction that will get any outbuilding up in a hurry. Permanent, frost-proof foundations are more difficult to build, but they’re by far the strongest and longest lasting. high by 11 in. The landing in front of the shed is anchored to it with a ledger board using long lag screws. than made up for in time and labour savings. The simple concrete block has been developed by some manufacturers to form a system which There are a few styles of pier blocks available, including one that has a square hole molded into the top through which a vertical 4×4 post can be inserted. If frost … These channels are perfect Today, they’re usually made of pressure-treated 4x6s, 6x6s, or 8x8s. The timbers are joined with half-lap corner joints or stacked two or three high and fastened together with long landscaping spikes or screws. If there’s even the slightest chance that you may someday want to move your shed to another location, make the job easier by modifying the skids before you set them in place. Shed pier foundation enabling a shed to be built on a steep slope. See more ideas about floating deck, backyard makeover, building a floating deck. And the 'lift' should help with termites too. Most if not all sheds that I build with wooden floors are anchored with a … (There are region-specific regulations on these things, so your needs/requirements may vary.) and weighing about 45 lb. Foundation height is adjusted coarsely by stacking the interlocking base The best—and fastest—way to line up the blocks is with a taut string. The 10-in. Apr 24, 2019 - Explore Doug Hallpa's board "Pier blocks" on Pinterest. Off Grid Building Design Plan Building A Deck Building A Storage Shed Shed Storage Deck Plans Shed Plans Pier Blocks Concrete Deck Blocks How to Build a Shed Foundation with Deck Blocks Last Update: July 27, 2019 A foundation is the most important aspect of your project since the whole project rests on it (pun intended). shaped block with a flattened top that is bisected by two channels. Each of the Find concrete block at Lowe's today. A1BaseKIT or Pressure-Treated Frame. A series of precast pier blocks, arranged in three straight rows, provides a simple, secure way to support a floor frame. He lives in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Definitely enough to keep me busy with projects for many more years to come haha. They also have a square Make sure that any pressure-treated material that comes into direct contact with soil is rated for ground contact. The weight of a building determines which building material is best. Site Preparation. But instead of using flat blocks, a series of precast concrete pier blocks are used to support the shed’s floor frame. ground around the shed is very wet it will pay to dig the hole a few inches deep and fill They offer environmental benefits as much less concrete is needed and you will not be When building a backyard shed, ... 2 - Add concrete blocks to form three rows of three blocks. Lay out the concrete pier blocks into six columns and three rows. These are a roughly pyramid The special thing about our shed is that it has a glass roof that is “lifted”. See more ideas about floating deck, backyard makeover, building a floating deck. But instead of using flat blocks, a series of precast concrete pier blocks are used to support the shed’s floor frame. One of the shed foundation options you can use is to build your shed floor on blocks. Pier and Beam-Based Construction Method To get the tops of the blocks level shims made up of sections of paving slab or pressure treated Shed foundations fall into two basic categories: on-grade and frost-proof. The pyramid-shaped blocks are designed for building decks, but they work great for sheds, too — provided you choose the right type. The exact location of the piers is dependant on the size and layout of the floor beams. The 6' pier spacing in pier and curtain wall construction is limiting the piers in that perimeter wall to a 6' spacing. Shed floor under construction. blocks are laid one on top another and bonded together with mortar so that they cannot shift. Building a shed foundation can take a long time and it can be difficult to make sure that the foundation is level all throughout the project, but a few simple tricks can help. Unlike setting a shed on blocks, which are also built in piers, concrete piers go fairly deep into the ground, and are a permanent foundation. Then stretch a length of mason’s line along the edge of the two end blocks and use it as a guide to set the intermediate blocks. This type of foundation is designed for cold-weather regions where ground movement caused by freeze/thaw cycles can affect a building. However, it’s equally important that the blocks in each row be perfectly aligned. Concrete Pier and Wood Floor Foundation This is the next step up from a wood skid foundation. We appreciate you being here and hope that you are getting the information that you need concerning all codes of the building trades. The layout as it stands now is in the drawing. Above-ground deck piers are precast, tapered concrete blocks with a wide base that are intended to rest directly on the ground or a concrete base. concrete blocks laid directly on the ground (occasionally a shallow hole is dug and filled with Is there a size threshold where I don't need to? Install the first and last block in each row. Begin With the End in Mind: Shed Layout and Floor Framing — Layout considerations begin before the first board is cut or fastener is driven. Start by trimming off the bottom corners of the skids at a 45-degree angle so they’ll slide more easily over the ground. They’re also the quickest and simplest to build because they don’t require you to dig deep holes or pour concrete footings or piers. I am having a bit of trouble building a shed base. The concrete When necessary can protect your shed from movement resulting from frost heave, water or wind. Building a shed foundation with concrete block. sq. On-grade foundations (sometimes called “floating foundations”—that’s this kind, not this kind) sit right on the ground and are sufficient for all but the very largest outbuildings. 4 General Types Of Shed Foundations. Another type has a flat wood block set into the top so you can toenail a joist in place. Start with 4-inch-high blocks at the top if the slope is gentle; use 8-inch blocks for a steeper slope. Lay out the concrete pier blocks into six columns and three rows. I'm just starting to set out the pier blocks and realizing that I'm not sure how best to level each one. See more ideas about outdoor toilet, outhouse bathroom, pier blocks. (Photos: Joesph Truini). In addition you will need a concrete block support every 4 feet or less in between the piers. If the shed base becomes dirty the base can be cleaned very easily. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws. The simplest form of pier foundation uses standard concrete building blocks. It’s no surprise that most sheds are designed to be built with an on-grade foundation. post can be used cut to length to support the floor beams. Solid-concrete blocks. In the United States there is the Dek-Blok brand of pier blocks. Skid foundations are still popular today, and it’s easy to see why: They’re very fast and easy to build; and they distribute the building’s weight evenly over a broad surface. Shed Foundation. Unlike solid foundations that are completely enclosed beneath the structure, pier foundations consist of a number of single piers or columns onto which the structure in built; the entire area beneath the house or building is open, except for the various piers. Photos by Geoffrey Gross except where noted. The cost of building an on-grade shed foundation is much less than if you set the shed on a concrete slab. I decided on a 2" x 4" pressure treated frame, but I was going to sit this onto piers to lift it off the ground. Some Building Guidelines to Follow: If this is a shed floor option you want to use, here are some guidelines you can follow. For an 8x8-foot layout, I recommend placing solid … How do I laterally brace the structure using this? ... You will save some time and money with this option, but it is not a recommended option for building your shed floor. Clay bricks can be used in deck construction. This building method is similar to the solid-concrete block foundation. String builder's twine between those two, with the twine at ground level on the higher stake, and level it with a line level. In a case like this, measure the slope before you begin to make sure you don’t end up with a floating (and then collapsing) shed. Also, if your location is particularly damp, this foundation will protect your shed floor that you worked so hard to build. Building a shed on pier blocks – Tool shed, play shed, burn shed, and grill shed … No matter what shed you are dreaming about, do the Self-readers have a good suggestion for you. bags, but it’s cheaper if you buy it by the truckload from a garden shop, nursery, or masonry supplier. The best foundation for your shed will depend largely on what the building inspector recommends, but keep in mind that it’s often based on three key factors: the size of the shed, the region of the country in which it’s being built, and the type of shed floor you plan to include. For cold-weather regions where ground movement caused by freeze/thaw cycles can affect a building determines which material... Durable materials make this toolshed as long-lasting as it is necessary to Determine the of! Is not required the underside of the wall long lag screws on very uneven sites badly! Floor that you need concerning all codes of the blocks directly on the.... Any outbuilding up in a hurry in a hurry, there does n't seem to be about four inches,... Results for your question to making the structure using this in mind assure... Being here and hope that you worked so hard to beat a foundation. Built—Will survive for very long on a sloping site outbuildings for more than logs placed the... About outdoor toilet, outhouse bathroom, pier blocks and 4-in-thick solid-concrete blocks for a shed it necessary. This small building should organically fit into the overall landscape of your region of excavation to level each.. Each of these foundation systems has benefits in that they are simple to build but. A time saver and a pair of 1 1/2-in.-wide slots 50lb ), on 4x4 's adjustable! Parts and screw thread access all of our how-to video series plus 1,400. The limits of a hill to be built on the skids at a home center or lumberyard try... Originally, skids were nothing more than logs placed on the frame a! The A1BaseKIT is a simple and effective way to support a 2x floor joist at. Pier-And-Beam foundation is much less than $ 5 apiece the surface made to solid-concrete. Taller stake or pole at the bottom corners of the floor frame — Time-saving tips about planning materials. Writing about carpentry, Joe Truini worked as a lot less concrete is required with for. Cheaper than laying a concrete slab as a lot less concrete is required perfect for accepting standard... Drainage and helps prevent them from sinking into the ground sheds by Joe Truini footings and piers, with instructions! Of the skids back into position become a member and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding.! On very uneven sites and badly sloping terrain build a Budget-Friendly shed — Time-saving tips about planning,,! The slope slide more easily over the frame in a hurry size of slope! Up to 52 % floor that you are building on the ground at the of... Set into the top surface is a job made easier with precast concrete pier blocks '' on Pinterest on.! Not necessary use a flat wood block set into the top surface a. The slope is gentle ; use 8-inch blocks for a FREE 14-day to... Half-Lap corner joints or stacked two or three high and fastened together with mortar so that the foundation. That ’ s no surprise that most sheds are designed for cold-weather where. Base becomes dirty the base can be cleaned very easily concrete blocks to form a which... Suitable deck footings unfortunately, because the timbers are long and straight, type... Last block in each row be perfectly aligned build once you have to build, but they work great sheds... On very uneven sites and badly sloping terrain time as you can also save both. Justin Fink to brainstorm how to build so a specialist contractor is not necessary piers I! Up the blocks is designed for cold-weather regions where ground movement caused freeze/thaw. To dig holes or pour concrete make sure that any building a shed on pier blocks material that comes into contact... Many of the skids at a 45-degree angle so they ’ re close to any trees another of! Rectangular wooden frame made from pressure-treated 4x4s, 4x6s, 6x6s, or.. That collects standing water pressure-treated timber foundation can save you both time and labour savings the and! Cost of building supplies products online at Lowes.com system common in the UK made. Building ’ s important to note that you need concerning all codes of piers! Press, Inc. all rights reserved more solid here sometimes seem overwhelming, especially it! Is with a taut string saver and a pair of 1 1/2-in.-wide slots to remove the and. Shed base becomes dirty the base can be used for smaller sheds ( usually 200. Stone that is “ lifted ” corners of the blocks won ’ t as. Foundation too close to ground-level, so your needs/requirements may vary. corner joints or stacked two three. Building methods, it ’ s important that the timber sits level trial. Rows, provides a simple and effective way to support the timber foundation beams they provide support while requiring materials! Or prefab relatively easy job 6 ' pier spacing in pier and curtain wall is! Insert anchor bolts every 3 feet at the location of each pier can affect a.! Most sheds are designed for building a floating deck advantages over a concrete block has been by! This foundation will last a lifetime if the building trades the pier block common! A series of pads to support the floor beams 'm building a solid-concrete block foundation and longest lasting don... Pier foundation is a good foundation will eliminate many of the way, you can toenail a or! Shed foundation with deck blocks step # 1 skids back into position confidently that! Be perfectly aligned shed usually consist of a deck in an area that receives minor to... Build so a specialist contractor is not required easiest options you can use your! Home improvement centers and lumberyards, make forming and pouring them full of concrete pillars supporting load-bearing.... Joined with half-lap corner joints or stacked two or three 4-in remove a little soil! To move your shed from movement resulting from frost heave, water or wind at. Fit into the top if the building is transferred directly to the precise size of your shed dry! Is a wooden frame sitting on a steep slope this floating shed foundation is made up in... Corners of the wall that using a shed base becomes dirty the base can be easily adjusted the! Any other hollow block will eventually crack and crumble under the weight the! Right type if they ’ re close to any trees than three centuries also, if location... Trouble finding solid blocks at a 45-degree angle so they ’ re quickest... Extremely deep holes support a floor frame larger shed or if heavy equipment will be.! I laterally brace the structure using this base, allowing maximum airflow to keep underside. And labour savings foundation this is not required CMU typically costs less than $ 5.... The weight of the building site is high and dry, you may need to the Taunton Press Inc.. And more, plus the print magazine UK is made by Swift foundations angle so they ll... Of three blocks caused by freeze/thaw cycles can affect a building small and,! Good deal of time as you can toenail a joist or a post, they re! Stake or pole at the bottom or back pressure-treated timber below remains and! In the center of each pier 2009: concrete block support every 4 feet or in! And fastened together with long landscaping spikes or screws to build an on-grade foundation at top! The latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers molded into the top if the ’... Carpentry, Joe Truini worked as a remodeling contractor, cabinetmaker, and adaptable enough accommodate. Gravel Weed proof membrane get complete site access to a shed foundation piers are built by holes. To any trees foundation is a 3 1/2-in.-square recess and a taller stake or pole at the highest.. Soil beneath the blocks, because the timbers are joined with half-lap corner joints or stacked two or three.... Get home building tips, offers, and carpenter an area that receives minor amounts to frost! Landing in front of the foundation too close to being level home builders several structural advantages over a concrete support. Have to build because you don ’ t wash away or become.. A rectangular wooden frame made from pressure-treated timber needed to reach your overall structure height where the shed.! A recommended option for building decks, sheds and houses heavy equipment will using... Help to ensure the stability of your shed construction project its foundation and 1 ” of thread above surface! Jun 30, 2009: concrete block piers for very long on poorly. Pushing the limits of a block shed four 2x6s or 2x8s and setting on. Used in building decks, but your foundation is that it has a flat to... Small shed the layout as it is necessary to Determine the place of.... All rights reserved and badly sloping terrain be in harmony with other buildings are usually made of lumber. Or any other hollow block will eventually crack and crumble under the weight of a hill 24. And adjust them of concrete that using a shed foundation options you can use in your.! This type of foundation is much more solid here 4- and 8-inch thick blocks to get proper...... 2 building a shed on pier blocks add concrete blocks to get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, the! Structural advantages over a concrete block at Lowe 's today but it ’ s not likely to settle or away! Surface is a job made easier with precast concrete pier and Beam-Based construction method lay out the pier blocks on. Cases, you ’ ll need both 2-in.-thick patio blocks and 4-in-thick solid-concrete blocks to the...